Al-Hijri Calls for International Support to Establish an Independent Entity in Southern Syria

In a new escalatory stance reflecting the growing tension in southern Syria, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Suwayda and one of the wise elders, called for the establishment of an independent entity for the community, emphasizing the right to self-determination, and declaring that the community will not retreat from this demand regardless of the sacrifices.

In a controversial speech, al-Hijri thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for what he described as their "support" for the Druze demands, while simultaneously calling for the opening of crossings leading to Suwayda Governorate.

Al-Hijri, who spoke during his reception of the new leader of the "Men of Dignity Movement" Mazid Khodaj, also called for the return of the "seized" villages and lands to their original owners, and demanded the "immediate release of all hostages unconditionally".

It is noteworthy that this is not the first time Sheikh al-Hijri has raised the idea of separation, as he had only called for international support ten days ago to establish a separate region for the Druze community, affirming that the so-called "National Guard" recently formed from armed Druze groups would defend the land with the "guarantee of concerned states".

In reference to recent tensions, al-Hijri stated that "the recent ordeal aimed to exterminate the Druze community," as he put it.

Suwayda Governorate witnessed bloody clashes on July 13, which lasted for a week between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes, resulting in the displacement of about 200,000 people, according to United Nations estimates.

These dangerous statements come amid ongoing escalation in southern Syria, with uncertainty surrounding the future relationship between the Syrian state and the Druze community, at a time when internal and external calls are increasing for a comprehensive political solution to end the ongoing conflict.